'Absolutely Unusual'

Published in The Gazette, April 19. 2007 7:33PM

By Earlesha Butler
News Correspondent

IOWA CITY - Kareem Salama isn't your typical country music singer.

He has the usual southern drawl and cowboy accessories. But, Salama's Muslim faith seems unusual for country music, one of America's popular music genres.

His music producer at Iowa City's Inner Light Records said he never saw a Muslim country music singer until meeting Salama, 29.

"When he walked through the door it was interesting, absolutely unusual," said Aristotle Mihalopoulos, the recording studio's owner and music producer.

Salama, a University of Iowa law student, entered the studio with the intent to hone his music. His and Mihalopoulos' first meeting has grown to a nearly two-year partnership of developing a grassroots-level music repertoire and entertaining various crowds.

The audience's response at a performance at an Islamic Society of North America conference led Salama to record his first CD in September: "Generous Peace" from Mihalopoulos' studio.

Although Salama has yet to perform in Iowa, gigs in Philadelphia; Cambridge, Mass.; and London have generated media attention. Most of the people hearing his music are Muslim Americans, he said.

"I've just really started performing," he said. "I don't seek out much. Through word of mouth and things, people find me."

His music has lyrics about hope, love and peace -- traditional country music values, he said. His song, "Valley," explores the virtues of faith and love. "In the valley you'll find all good in this life. It's where Moses heard God and where Dave found his wife," Salama sings in the ballad.

Salama said having faith values in his music helps eliminate stereotypes about Muslims. "As a Muslim, that's a concern of mine, that the music has those spiritual elements," he said. "That's just a big part of my life, my relationship with God."

Salama's religion and southern roots are a seemingly bizarre combination to some. He describes himself as an "embodiment of something that's not the norm." However, country music always has been Salama's bliss.

Salama, who was raised in north central Oklahoma, said his parents introduced him to the music. He recalled attending family outings, like the "Grand Ole Opry" in Tennessee and live country music shows in Branson, Mo.

"When you are young you need to try everything," said Salama's father, Mamdouh. "His music is what he really wants. I didn't inhibit him."

Salama credits his parents, who immigrated to the United States from Egypt as young adults, for encouraging him to explore his interests."I didn't feel different. My parents were so comfortable with themselves and so comfortable in their environment," he said. "My faith and my culture just blended together naturally."

Salama's music is a mixture of pop and country. He credits Mihalopoulos for that combination. "I like diversity," said Mihalopoulos, a 14-year veteran of producing music.

"He'll sing a melody. I'll just sit back and see what things occur to me melodically. I kind of play things at him," Mihalopoulos said.

Fame, Salama said, isn't his primary goal. Reaching the masses with positive messages is all that matters.

Although Salama said he's only sold about 1,000 copies of his CD and has yet to sign with a record label, his primary goal is to use music as a service tool.

"If I can use music to make people feel closer, I love that," Salama said. "It's all about the people."

Salama added that he plans to pursue further country music when he's finished with law school. "I'm waiting till I finish to maybe go to Nashville, maybe do things to promote my work more."

AP podcast: Hear Kareem Salama's music